Liverpool could reportedly be involved in a three-horse race to sign 22-year-old Italian attacker Nicolo Zaniolo from AS Roma in the summer.
According to a report by Italian outlet Calciomercato, Nicolo Zaniolo is the subject of interest from Liverpool over a possible move in the summer transfer window. The 22-year-old AS Roma attacker is also a target for Juventus and Atletico Madrid.
Nicolo Zaniolo is widely regarded as one of the best young forwards in Italy, having progressed considerably since joining AS Roma from Inter Milan in July 2018. But the Italian international has been beset by a spate of long-term injuries, which have been blocking him from reaching his full potential.
Fortunately for the 22-year-old, he has been relatively injury-free this season, amassing four goals and five assists in 28 appearances across all competitions. But talks over a contract renewal have not gone smoothly, with his situation capturing the attention of some of the biggest clubs in Europe, including Liverpool.
The interest from Liverpool is surprising, considering they bolstered their wide-attacking options in the January transfer window by signing Luis Diaz. There have also been suggestions that the Reds are set to table a new contract to Roberto Firmino, with Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah next in line to receive renewal offers.
But recent reports have claimed that Liverpool might not be ready to break their wage structure to hand Salah a bumper new contract. With that in mind, it might be prudent to keep options open, especially with Divock Origi facing an uncertain future at Anfield. To that end, several attackers, including Noa Lang, have been linked with Liverpool, with Zaniolo a viable target.
But Liverpool will have to fend off competition from Serie A giants Juventus and La Liga champions Atletico Madrid to prise the 22-year-old away from AS Roma. But the report does not mention a price tag, although previous reports in recent weeks have suggested AS Roma could value him around €40 million.
For now, it looks like Zaniolo will be a highly sought-after player in the transfer market in the summer window. It remains to be seen if the 22-year-old Italian international leaves AS Roma and if Liverpool will be his next destination in that case.
